PARIS: French number one Marion Bartoli is aiming to go one step further at this week’s Paris Open in her quest for a maiden title on home soil.

Bartoli was defeated by Angelique Kerber in last year’s final — a result that served as a catalyst for the German’s breakthrough 2012 campaign.

But even with Kerber not defending her crown this year, Bartoli, whose last of seven WTA titles came in Osaka in October 2011, was guarded in her expectations.

“I don’t know if it’s a good year or not, it’s a loaded draw. There are still two other top 10 (women) in the field and lots of dangerous players,” she said.

“There is a long way to go before thinking about winning,” added Bartoli, the tournament’s third seed.

The world number 11, who suffered a disappointing third-round exit against Russia’s Ekaterina Makarova at this month’s Australian Open, insisted the Grand Slam tournaments remained the focal points of her season but admitted success in the French capital also rated highly among her priorities.